Panther swimmers back in action

Panthers freshman Bailey Duran takes a breath while swimming the 500-yard freestyle in Aspen. Duran won two individual events for the Panthers over the weekend.

Battling high-elevation pools and tough opponents, the Montezuma-Cortez High School swim team began their post-Christmas season with mixed results.

Panthers finish third in Aspen

Opening last week’s competition in Aspen on Jan. 10, the Panthers swam their way to a third place finish in the four team Aspen Invitational.

Leading the way for the Panthers at the high-altitude Aspen pool was freshman Bailey Duran, who finished first in the 500-yard freestyle (6:26.29) and second in the 200-yard individual medley (2:45.11).

Also swimming well for the Panthers was junior Elana Cope, who finished second in the 100-yard butterfly (1:25.40) and third in the 200-yard freestyle (2:29.96).